Songs at the Center

Hosted by singer-songwriter Eric Gnezda, from The Woodward Opera House, Mt. Vernon, OH (Pronunciations: D'Andrea=Dee-ANN-dree-ah; Bevan=BEV-ann; Gnezda=NEZZ-duh). DOC ROBINSON - Doc Robinson, inhabited by the duo of Jonathan Elliott and Nick D'Andrea, grew out of an informal songwriting session between the two artists. The two quickly realized they had a natural writing chemistry, and in the course of a month had written a hatful of songs. They teamed up with producer Mike Landolt, who has worked with artists ranging from Maroon 5 and Spin Doctors to OAR. Eventually, they recorded their first full-length album, Deep End, from which several of the songs found homes on television shows. They tour nationally, including with the Americana sensation, CAAMP, with whom they have also recorded. ALEX BEVAN - Alex Bevan is an Ohio songwriting legend, having worked with, among others, Hall & Oates, the Doobie Brothers, Pure Prairie League, Jimmy Buffett, and Billy Joel. He has also collaborated on a children's album, a musical fairytale with an environmental message titled, Who Killed the Dragon? This was followed by two award-winning critically acclaimed works: Magic Moments from the Children's Nature Schoolhouse, and All the Rivers Run. Alex earned an Emmy Award for the song, Rustbelt Blues, the final segment of NBC's American Promise documentary series. THE CARPENTER ANTS - The Carpenter Ants create and perform what they call "chicken-fried gospel soul," consisting of a full plate of feel-good harmonies and a solid groove. Together for 25 years, the "Ants" are a West Virginia institution, and have played throughout the South Atlantic region. They have two tours to Moscow to their credit and joined the Rev. Jesse Jackson for a 10-city tour. ABOUT THE VENUE - The Woodward Opera House in Mt. Vernon, OH, was built in 1851. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the venue is one of America's oldest authentic 19th Century theaters in operation.